If I had to recommend the best time to visit New York City, it would be during the holiday season. The city is so magical with the twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and fun activities. You can expect to see the full array of decor right after Thanksgiving; it is a sight to behold. Bundle up in your best winter gear and enjoy my guide to Christmas in New York City.
CHRISTMAS TREES
Rockefeller Center 45 Rockefeller Plaza
The most famous tree in the city and the world! As it is so popular, I recommend seeing it right when they turn the lights on at 6 AM. The best part is that there are so many angles to capture a shot of the tree so take advantage of that! The tree is normally lit from 6 AM – 12 AM and 24 hours on Christmas.
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The Lotte Palace Hotel: 455 Madison Avenue
This is my favorite tree in New York. It is classic, romantic, and beautiful. It doesn’t get very crowded as it is away from Rockefeller Center so you can get a great shot at any time. While you are there, be sure to check out the inside of the hotel for more trees and Santa mail.
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The Peninsula Hotel: 700 Fifth Avenue
I think the Peninsula takes the cake for the best-decorated hotel lobby. Once you step inside, a beautiful tree greets you alongside festive décor. Be sure to walk upstairs as well for different angles!
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Radio City Music Hall: 1260 Sixth Avenue
Technically not a full tree but it makes for a cool shot at Radio City Music Hall and what is more iconic than that?! To elevate your photo, add the full-size ornaments across the street to your shot.
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Park Avenue and 41st Street
These two trees belong to an office building but I love their look – classic yet chic.
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Sixth Avenue Tree: 1221 Sixth Avenue
This is new since 2022 and unique! There is a small tunnel under the tree that you can walk through for a cool shot.
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All American Christmas Tree: 1211 Avenue of the Americas
If you’re visiting Radio City, be sure to stop by the All-American Christmas Tree located down the street and guarded by cute nutcrackers!
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Zuccotti Park: Cedar Street
Another spot that is not as touristy as uptown and still very beautiful. You’ll find trees of all shapes and sizes!
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New York Stock Exchange: 11 Wall Street
Head downtown to see a beautiful tree decked out in colorful twinkling lights and ornaments. It is not as crowded as uptown so you should be able to get a great shot without any hassle. I consider this to be the baby sister to the Rockefeller Center tree, so it makes for a great alternative.
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The New York Public Library 476 Fifth Avenue
I love the beautiful tree against the walls of the New York Public Library. It’s a fascinating building that many tourists do not visit. I believe the tree changes every year and you can easily take different angles of the tree without many people in the shot.
*Note* There is no flash photography allowed
Bloomberg Tower Tree: 731 Lexington Avenue
The blue lights are certainly mesmerizing and the shape of the building around it makes for a cool shot. This tree is usually not crowded so you are welcome to visit it at any time. Be careful with using tripods here as their security can be strict.
South Street Seaport: Corner of Water Street and Fulton Street
Washington Square Park: Washington Square – I love that the iconic arch frames the tree!
Madison Square Park: 11 Madison Avenue
Bryant Park: 40-42 Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues – Head to the holiday market to sip on delicious hot chocolate and visit the fun shops that frame a stunning tree.
*Note – the décor changes every year
The Plaza Hotel: 768 Fifth Avenue
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STORES AND MALLS
Hudson Yards: 20 Hudson Yards
This is the best and most extravagant light display I’ve ever seen in a mall. Every year, Hudson Yards is decked out in over 2 million shimmering lights with a giant hot air balloon taking the stage. There are so many photos that you can take both inside and outside so spend some time at this location when exploring!
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Cartier: 653 Fifth Avenue
I love that Cartier changes its décor every year and you can always find a classic design!
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Macy’s: 151 West 34 Street
The flagship store is most popular for its annual Thanksgiving Day parade but you can’t resist a shot by this historic landmark.
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Saks Fifth Avenue: 611 Fifth Avenue
Saks never fails to amaze with their spectacular light show. You can expect to catch a show every 10 minutes from 5 PM to 11 PM. The building is also directly across from the Rockefeller Center Tree!
* Note: The show has a different theme every year
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The Shops at Columbus Circle: 10 Columbus Circle
Be sure to stay behind for the beautiful starlight show.
Brookfield Place: 230 Vesey Street
I love the beautiful tunnel of lights outside. If you step inside, be sure to catch their luminaries light show.
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Louis Vuitton Flagship Store: 1 East 57 Street
There is always an extravagant but sophisticated display outside of their building.
*Note: The design changes every year.
Chanel Store: 15 East 57 Street
Décor changes every year!
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Dior Store: 767 Fifth Avenue
I love Dior’s classic and chic white and gold display!
*Note – their decor changes every year
Sezane: 254 Elizabeth Street
Chelsea Market: 75 Ninth Avenue
Head downtown to enjoy a variety of restaurants, stores, and cute holiday decor. For 2023, Chelsea Market decided to celebrate with a colorful theme and handmade gingerbread houses!
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HOTELS
If you need a place to warm up, be sure to stop by some of New York’s beautiful hotels. I am always amazed by some of the extravagant décor that the hotels invest in.
Four Seasons Downtown: 27 Barclay Street
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The Mark Hotel: 25 East 77 Street
This is a new collaboration between The Mark and Swarvovski for the 2022 season.
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Lotte Palace: 455 Madison Avenue
The hotel does a great job decorating inside as well. You’ll find beautiful trees inside and Santa Mail.
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RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Rolf’s: 281 Third Avenue
Aside from Hudson Yards, this is the most extravagant decorated part of New York. You will need a reservation to eat in the restaurant or sit by the bar (you must order a full meal at the bar) however the decor is up all year so you don’t have to wait until the holidays to visit. If you’re visiting during the holidays, you will need to make a reservation at least 2 months in advance. The food isn’t the greatest so I would only buy a drink if possible.
Papillion Bistro & Bar: 22 East 54th Street
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Ophelia’s Lounge: 3 Mitchell Place, 26th Floor
A cute bar by the East River that serves light bites and drinks. There is a lovely snowflake installation that falls from the ceiling. This is great for a quick drink before your grand plans!
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Magic Hour: 485 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor
Each quarter Magic Hour displays a quirky but cute theme. The food isn’t the best but your Instagram feed will thank you!
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Ralphs Coffee Truck and Ralph Lauren Store: 45 Rockefeller Plaza and 867 Madison Avenue
This cute and festive truck was introduced in 2021. It is stationed throughout the year but is very well decorated during the holiday season.
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Residential Stoops
64th Street and 5th Avenue: The cutest candy canes and nutcrackers!
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76th Street and 5th Avenue: Huge nutcrackers and gifts make this the most adorable stoop in Manhattan.
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DYKER HEIGHTS
This is the only spot that isn’t in Manhattan but it is well worth the journey to Brooklyn. Each year many homeowners in this neighborhood decorate their homes with the most remarkable holiday decor. This is certainly a Christmas dream!
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RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL ORNAMENTS
Red Ornaments and Candy Canes on 6th Avenue: Across the Street from Radio City Music Hall
Photos here will look great whether taken in the day or night and if you frame your photos just right, you will be able to capture Radio City in the background!
THE OCULUS
While you’re downtown and need to take a break from the cold, head over to the Oculus for their cute Christmas decor, holiday market, and ice skating rink!
I hope you found this guide helpful. There is so much to do in New York City during the holiday season so have a fabulous trip!
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Wow!!!!! New York looks so magical during Christmas! It’s my dream to visit.